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Session 5: Opinions and evidence

Delve into the evidence and opinions surrounding the Peterloo Massacre to uncover the truth of who was truly to blame.

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Session 5: Opinions and evidence

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  1. Session 5: Opinions and evidence Who was to blame for the Peterloo Massacre?

  2. STARTER http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/politics/g4/g4_game.htm

  3. Who do you believe?

  4. Inquest document 1

  5. Evidence disproving charges 2 Sworn at Manchester, 12thofNovember, 1819, before me,J. NORRIS ROBERT HENRY WILSON, of Manchester, Solicitor, upon his Oath, saith, that on his returning from St. Peter’s Field, at about a quarter or half-past one, on the 16th of August, he met the Manchester Yeomanry coming up Cooper Street, at a tolerably brisk pace; – in a few seconds afterwards, he observed one who was behind the main body, coming up after them at a hand gallop, and just at that moment, a Woman and Child crossed from the Mosely Street side, her attention evidently engaged in looking at the main body, which just passed her, in consequence of which, she was thrown down by the one coming up, and her child thrown from her by the shock, to a distance of two or three yards, and pitched upon its head. Examinant took up the Woman and the Child, whom he found to be the Wife and Child of Charles Fildes. That the Soldier himself did not touch the Woman or the Child, their fall was accidental, and solely occasioned by her crossing the Street so suddenly in the face of the Horse, and that no blame could attach to the Rider, as it was impossible to draw up in time to prevent his going against the Woman. R. H. WILSON

  6. First account of events on a note 3 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/protest-democracy-1818-1820/first-account-peterloo/

  7. Manchester Observer article, 21 August 1819 4 As soon as Mr. Hunt was secured, followed a scene so truly bloody and horrific, that no pen or tongue… could paint in its true colours. Without reading the Riot Act, which that despicable sycophant, Mr. Aston, has the unblushing impudence to assert was read; without the usual notice to disperse, if it was read; and without ceremony did they dash in upon this peaceable and defenceless multitude. So indiscriminate was the attack, that these lambs literally put to death one of the Special Constables, and wounded many more. So eager did they appear to display their zeal in the preservation of the peace, and to come in contact with unarmed men and defenceless women. A most terrific shriek now rent the air; we many add hundreds were thrown down, produced by their anxiety to get out of the crowd. Very many were necessarily ridden over in consequence…

  8. Report 5 https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/lists-of-the-killed-and-wounded-from-the-peterloo-massacre

  9. Pamphlet 6 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/protest-democracy-1818-1820/response-peterloo/

  10. Map of area surrounding Manchester 7

  11. Map of St Peter’s Field, Manchester 8

  12. 9 List of persons killed at St Peter’s Field

  13. 10 This poster demonstrates the way in which the ‘Peterloo Massacre’ immediately became part of positive radical propaganda. The picture had been purchased by John Jenkins, an ex-weaver and ex-Royal Marine. In November 1819, Jenkins had been exhibiting the picture at Chudleigh, in Devon, when his activities came to the attention of Gilbert Burrington, the vicar of Chudleigh and an active magistrate. Burringtoncommitted Jenkins to the Exeter house of correction as a vagrant and passed information of his seditious conduct to the Home Secretary. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/humanrights/1815-1848/doc-peterloo-image.htm

  14. ‘The Mask of Anarchy’ by Shelley 11 The poet Shelley, upon hearing of the event, wrote ‘The Masque of Anarchy’, which was banned for 30 years. As I lay asleep in Italy There came a voice from over the Sea, And with great power it forth led me To walk in the visions of Poesy I met Murder on the way— He had a mask like Castlereagh— Very smooth he looked, yet grim; Seven blood-hounds followed him… … Last came Anarchy: he rode On a white horse, splashed with blood; He was pale even to the lips, Like Death in the Apocalypse. And he wore a kingly crown; And in his grasp a sceptre shone; On his brow this mark I saw— ‘I AM GOD, AND KING, AND LAW!’ With a pace stately and fast, Over English land he passed, Trampling to a mire of blood The adoring multitude. And with a mighty troop around With their trampling shook the ground, Waving each a bloody sword, For the service of their Lord…

  15. TASK: Newspaper report • Choose the newspaper you represent. • You are an eyewitness. • Language must be detailed, as there is no other way of providing information for people. • Choose your vocabulary carefully for maximum impact. • Include quotes from others who were present.

  16. REFLECTION ‘The Peterloo Massacre’ – why do you think people use this term?

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